09-17-2024 Business Meeting - FINAL
PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’
BUSINESS MEETING
September 17, 2024
VIRGINIA: The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors' ("Board") Business Meeting
was held on September 17, 2024, in the Board Meeting Room, 39 Bank Street, SE, Chatham,
Virginia 24531.
CALL TO ORDER
Dalton called the Meeting to Order at 7:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
The following Board Members were present:
Darrell W. Dalton - Callands-Gretna District
Robert M. Tucker, Jr. - Banister District
Kenneth L. Bowman - Chatham-Blairs District
Timothy W. Dudley - Staunton River District
Eddie L. Hite, Jr. - Dan River District
William V. (“Vic”) Ingram - Tunstall District
Murray W. Whittle - Westover District
ITEMS TO BE ADDED TO AGENDA
Motion to add the Health Department funding request to the Consent Agenda as item 7l.
RESULT: 7-0 (Approve)
MOVER: Tucker
SECONDER: Dudley
AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Bowman, Dudley, Hite, Ingram, Whittle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion to approve Agenda as amended.
RESULT: 7-0 (Approve)
MOVER: Ingram
SECONDER: Bowman
AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Bowman, Dudley, Hite, Ingram, Whittle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion to approve Consent Agenda.
RESULT: 7-0 (Approve)
MOVER: Dudley
SECONDER: Hite
AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Bowman, Dudley, Hite, Ingram, Whittle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
a. Board Meeting Minutes Approval
b. County's August 2024 Bill List Approval
c. Resolution # 2024-09-01 Adoption (Laurel Grove Fire & Rescue Tax Exempt Financing
Utilization Authorization)
d. Resolution # 2024-09-02 Adoption (After-School Childcare Pilot Program
Authorization/Endorsement); (Kentuck Elementary School)
e. Potential Wells Road Abandonment Notice (Lot 9; Jasper Woods Road)
f. Landfill Tipping Fee Waiver Approval (County-Wide Fall Cleanup)
g. Potential Reduction to the McMann Family Subdivision Exemption 15-Year Restriction
(GPIN # 2409-28-4344)
h. RBW Local Performance Agreement Execution Approval
i. Revised ODAC Lease Approval
j. FY 2025 Capital Improvements Project List Approval
k. Certificate of Excellence Approval (Jackson Wethington)
PRESENTATIONS
The Board presented a Certificate of Excellence to Jackson Wethington, recognized the 12th Grade
AP Class for being in attendance, and the Beautification Committee spoke about the upcoming Fall
clean-up.
HEARING OF THE CITIZENS
Vanessa Scearce, Westover District, marked Constitution Day by reflecting on the historical
significance of September 17, 1787, when delegates signed the U.S. Constitution. She expressed
gratitude to the founding fathers, especially Virginians John Blair, Thomas Jefferson, James
Madison, and George Washington, who were among the 39 signers. Vanessa highlighted the
importance of Constitution Day education, referencing Public Law 108-447, which mandates
schools receiving federal funds and federal agencies to provide educational programs or materials
about the Constitution on September 17 each year. She concluded with a quote from George
Washington emphasizing the importance of educating youth in governance and liberty and offered
free copies of the Constitution to those interested.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Rezoning Public Hearings
1. Case R-24-015 Gary Durham; Rezoning from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision
District, to A-1, Agricultural District. (Supervisor Dalton)
In In Case R-24-015, Gary Durham (“Petitioner”) has petitioned to rezone two (2) parcels, totaling
13.69 acres, from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to A-1, Agricultural District, (to
allow the property to be used for agricultural purposes). The subject property is located on State
Road 834/Bearskin Road, in the Callands-Gretna Election District, and shown on the Tax Maps as
GPIN #s 1494-93-9114 and 1494-93-9925. Once the property is rezoned to A-1, all uses listed under
Pittsylvania County Code § 35-178 are permitted. On August 6, 2024, the Planning Commission
recommended by a 6-0 vote, with no opposition, that the Petitioner's request be granted.
Dalton opened the Public Hearing at 7:27 PM. Gary Durham was present to represent the Petition.
No one signed up to speak and Dalton closed the Public Hearing at 7:27 PM.
Motion approving the rezoning of a total of 13.69 acres from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision
District, to A-1, Agricultural District, to allow for agricultural uses on the property.
RESULT: 7-0 (Approve)
MOVER: Dudley
SECONDER: Tucker
AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Bowman, Dudley, Hite, Ingram, Whittle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
2. Case R-24-013: Brett and Erin Tooley; Rezoning from R-1, Residential Suburban
Subdivision District, to A-1, Agricultural District. (Supervisor Hite)
In Case R-24-013, Brett and Erin Tooley (“Petitioners”) have petitioned to rezone 3.85 acres from
R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to A-1, Agricultural District, (to allow a private
recreational facility (event space) to be operated on the property). The subject property is located
on State Road 992/Homestead Trail, in the Dan River Election District, and shown on the Tax Maps
as GPIN #s 2440-66-8572 and 2440-76-0545. Once the property is rezoned to A-1, all uses listed
under Pittsylvania County Code § 35-178 are permitted. On June 4, 2024, the Planning Commission
postponed this Rezoning Application to allow the Petitioners time to draft Proffers to be offered
with the Rezoning Application. The Petitioners have offered Proffers that are included in the
Board's Agenda Packet. On July 2, 2024, the Planning Commission recommended by a 6-0 vote,
with opposition, that the Petitioners' request be granted with the Proffers offered by the Petitioners.
Dalton opened the Public Hearing at 7:29 PM. Erin Tooley was present to represent the Petition.
Lorene Guill, spoke on behalf of her son and his wife, who could not attend due to caring for their
handicapped daughter. The child, who is non-mobile and non-verbal, requires a quiet environment
to sleep during the day and night, especially following a recent surgery. The family is worried that
an upcoming construction project across the road will disrupt her routine with noise from live music
or talking. She emphasized the family’s challenges and shared a photo of the child to help convey
the impact of the situation.
Debra Dockery, resident of Homestead Trail, spoke passionately about preserving her quiet
neighborhood amidst concerns about a proposed development. She highlighted the potential
dangers of increased traffic—up to 75 visitors—on the narrow, 25-mph road during busy times,
including school bus drop-offs, and the disruption caused by amplified music and activities lasting
until 10:00 PM. Drawing on her experience as a business owner, she emphasized the importance of
appropriate zoning and shared her belief that commercial ventures should not disrupt residential
areas. She reflected on the close-knit community she grew up in and raised her family, expressing
hope that the neighborhood’s peace and unity could be maintained for future generations.
Daniel Gusler, resident of Homestead Trail, addressed the board to express his concerns about the
potential impact of an event center in their quiet neighborhood. He shared his discomfort with a
recent gathering, which he felt was more of a publicity event than a neighborly meeting, involving
reporters and photographers. While acknowledging that Mr. Tooley is a good man raising a
respectable family, he emphasized his concerns about nuisances that events could bring, such as
trespassing, noise, and traffic. He recounted a specific incident where six uninvited guests,
including photographers, were on his property, assuming the driveway was a property line. This
event occurred before any official permitting or approval, which he viewed as negligent and
disrespectful. He also raised concerns about the Tooley's plans for future events, such as weddings
and bridal showers, and the long-term goal of converting a barn into an event space, which he
argued would violate county code. He concluded by emphasizing the unsuitability of these activities
for their residential, dead-end street and presented a photo to support his claims.
Teresa Herndon, a neighboring property owner with 11 acres adjacent to the Tooley family,
expressed her concerns about a potential event center in their quiet neighborhood. While she
supports small business ventures, like the proposed tea parties for 20–25 people, she is worried
about the broader implications of rezoning. Teresa emphasized the potential for larger events, such
as those with 100 attendees, which could disrupt the peaceful environment with increased traffic,
parking challenges, and noise, especially on the narrow, dead-end road. She highlighted concerns
about the long-term impact of rezoning, such as the possibility of larger, unregulated events that
could compromise the safety and tranquility of the neighborhood. Drawing on her personal
experience and her mother's concerns voiced at a previous meeting, she urged the board to consider
the neighborhood’s small, family-oriented character and the potential for future disruptions before
making a decision.
Dalton closed the Public Hearing at 7:43 PM.
Ragsdale read the following statement regarding the proffers offered:
"I, Aaron Tooley, hereby voluntarily proffer to the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors the
following: for the above reference property, there shall be no events after 10:00 PM, there shall be
no alcohol permitted at events held on the property. All structures used for events shall comply with
the Virginia statewide fire prevention code and uniform statewide building code. All parking will
be contained within the parking areas identified on the site plan submitted with the rezoning
application. Events will be limited to a maximum of 75 people. All Events shall comply with the
Pittsylvania County Noise Ordinance, and we will not use the property for any of the following uses
permitted in the A-1 Agricultural District." Ragsdale stated that list is quite extensive, but includes
anything that could be negatively impactful to adjacent property owners, such as archery ranges,
automobile graveyards, carnivals, golf courses, grain mills, kennels, mining, public garage,
sawmills, storage yards, substations, utilities, pulp wood, storage, slaughterhouses, etc."
In Case R-24-013, with the included Proffers, I make a Motion approving the rezoning of 3.85 acres
from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to A-1, Agricultural District, to allow a
private recreational facility (event space) to be operated on the property.
RESULT: 7-0 (Approve)
MOVER: Hite
SECONDER: Dudley
AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Bowman, Dudley, Hite, Ingram, Whittle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
Other Public Hearings
1. FY 2025 County Budget Adjustments Public Hearing
Virginia Code § 15.2-2507 states that “Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate
amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget
as prescribed by section 15.2-2504. However, any such amendment which exceeds one percent of
the total expenditures shown in the currently adopted budget must be accomplished by publishing
a notice of a meeting and a public hearing twice in a newspaper having general circulation in that
locality, with the first publication being published no more than 28 days before and the second
notice being no less than seven days prior to the meeting date.” An advertisement for the County
Budget Amendments, attached, appeared in The Chatham Star Tribune on August 28, 2024, and on
September 4, 2024, which satisfies the legal notice requirement.
Dalton opened the Public Hearing at 7:50 PM.
Frank Fox, Chatham-Blairs District, voiced his support for the Budget Amendments and highlighted
several positive outcomes for taxpayers. He noted that the $6.3 million allocated for schools was
based on conservative estimates and funded entirely by state money, requiring no additional county
match. He praised the welcome sign initiative, which generated $74,000 in revenue exceeding
expenses, and credited the active committee for its success. He also acknowledged the $160,000
grant secured for the Gretna Library, thanks to Delegate Marshall and the library staff, relieving
taxpayers of this financial burden. Additionally, he commended the return of $31,000 to the capital
improvements fund from unnecessary equipment purchases. He concluded by expressing his
gratitude to the staff and reaffirming his support for the motion.
Dalton closed the Public Hearing at 7:53 PM.
Motion to approve the FY 2025 Budget Amendments totaling $40,819,857.09 as presented.
RESULT: 7-0 (Approve)
MOVER: Tucker
SECONDER: Ingram
AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Bowman, Dudley, Hite, Ingram, Whittle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
• Hite expressed gratitude to attendees and highlighted the approval of a pilot program for
after-school daycare at Kentuck Elementary, set to begin in January. He emphasized the
program's potential to address the critical need for after-school care in the county and
expressed hope that it would expand countywide. Reflecting on his own experience as a
parent in the county's school system, he noted the program’s value in alleviating scheduling
challenges for families. He concluded by reiterating his excitement for the initiative and
thanking everyone for attending the meeting.
• Tucker acknowledged National Voter Registration Day, urging everyone to spread the
word and reminding them that early in-person voting begins on Friday, September 20th.
He thanked the staff for their efforts in preparing agenda items and commended the
community for participating and supporting local governance. He emphasized the
importance of collaboration and finding a balance to improve the community,
acknowledging that it is impossible to satisfy everyone fully. He concluded by thanking
the chairman and praising the productive meeting.
• Dudley expressed gratitude to everyone for attending the meeting and thanked the staff for
their hard work in organizing it. He acknowledged the presence of the Boy Scouts and
praised their leadership in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. He also recognized the
Tunstall High School class from Ingram’s district, appreciating their participation and
checking if they enjoyed the experience. He concluded by offering support to the students
and thanking everyone again for their attendance.
• Ingram addressed the recent loss of a young community member to suicide, quoting Ann
Landers to emphasize that "suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem." He
urged anyone struggling or aware of someone in distress to seek help, offering personal
support. He also extended sympathies to the family and friends of those affected. On a
positive note, he highlighted Crews' Construction's 50th anniversary, acknowledging their
long-standing contribution to the community, with plans for a formal recognition next
month. He celebrated Payton Sellers' seventh late model championship at South Boston
Speedway, tying a record, and expressed hope for an eighth championship next year.
Additionally, he congratulated Jason Myers from the Hurt district for winning the limited
sportsman track championship. He concluded by thanking the Boy Scouts and students
from Tunstall High School for their attendance, expressing pride in their contributions and
offering support for their endeavors.
• Bowman expressed gratitude to everyone in attendance, especially the Boy Scouts,
commending their impressive participation. He highlighted his recent experience attending
a mass casualty training exercise at Unique Industries, where Fire, EMS, Sheriff's Office,
FBI, and other agencies collaborated in a realistic scenario to hone their skills. He
emphasized the importance of being prepared for real-world situations and praised the
professionalism displayed during the event. He also attended the West Piedmont Planning
District meeting in Martinsville and participated in the Blue Ridge Mountain Council’s
annual meeting, where Dave Bennett received the Outstanding Community Service Award
for his contributions. In addition, he attended a RIFA meeting on September 9 and had the
honor of meeting Governor Glenn Youngkin and statewide candidates during their visit to
Pittsylvania County. He reflected on the moving 9/11 ceremony at Dan River Middle
School, urging others to attend future events. He also participated in the public review of
the draft Chatham Growth and Renewal Plan as part of the Reimagine Chatham program,
expressing optimism about the project’s direction. Further, he joined a roundtable
discussion with Senator Mark Warner to address housing needs in the region. To close, he
reminded the audience about the upcoming community clean-up event on October 5 and
provided details about collection sites and landfill drop-off opportunities from September
30 to October 4. He encouraged residents to volunteer, sign up online, and support efforts
to keep Pittsylvania County clean, thanking all volunteers for their dedication.
• Whittle expressed gratitude to everyone who attended, including the class from Tunstall
High School and the Beautification Committee for their efforts in helping to clean up the
county. He thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and closed with well-wishes for a
great day.
• Dalton expressed appreciation for a successful meeting and thanked everyone in
attendance, including the board members and the Boy Scouts, who did an excellent job
leading the Pledge of Allegiance. He shared that he had recently attended the Cool Branch
Fire and Rescue’s $20,000 giveaway and highlighted the upcoming Sorghum Festival
hosted by the Climax Royalty Club on Saturday, September 21st, inviting everyone to
enjoy fellowship and meet great people. He concluded by thanking the staff and attendees
once again and wished everyone a safe trip home.
COUNTY ADMINSTRATOR REPORT
Shorter reminded everyone that the County Fair goes through this Saturday at the County
fairgrounds.
ADJOURNMENT
Dalton adjourned the Meeting at 8:04 PM.
____________________________________
Darrell W. Dalton, Chairman
Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors
____________________________________
Kaylyn M. McCluster, Clerk
Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors